Tugela Falls Hike (Sentinel Trail)

The Tugela Falls hike climbs the Sentinel trail to the top of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre in South Africa, where the Tugela River leaps off the escarpment in a series of falls totalling about 948 metres. It is one of the great day walks in Africa, ending at a viewpoint where you look straight down the face of the cliff.

The route

The trail starts at the Sentinel car park, reached from the Free State side, at well over 2,500 metres above sea level. A well-made path zig-zags up beneath the Sentinel peak to the base of the chain ladders: two steel ladders bolted to the rock that take you up the final cliff to the plateau. From there it is an easy walk across the summit grasslands to the head of the falls. An alternative gully route avoids the ladders.

How hard is it?

The walking is steady rather than technical, but the altitude makes it tiring, and the chain ladders are exposed. Allow a full day, start early to avoid afternoon storms in summer, and turn back if cloud or lightning moves in. A local guide is strongly recommended.

The other view: Tugela Gorge

From the valley below, the Tugela Gorge walk in Royal Natal National Park follows the river to the foot of the Amphitheatre, with the falls high above. It is easier and makes a good second day.

When to go

Summer, from November to March, brings water to the falls and thunderstorms in the afternoons. Winter is dry and clear, with snow at times and only a trickle of water. Spring and autumn are a good compromise.

Stay and combine

Stay at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, the closest base to the trailhead. The hike is the centrepiece of our eight-day Drakensberg, Tugela Falls and Zululand journey.

Read our Tugela Falls guide and check the month-by-month water levels before you book.

Seasons, age limits and operating days are set by the operators and can change; check them when you book.